{"id":1658,"date":"2022-01-10T20:10:01","date_gmt":"2022-01-10T20:10:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.newyorkcitygal.com\/?p=1658"},"modified":"2022-01-10T20:13:59","modified_gmt":"2022-01-10T20:13:59","slug":"my-gratitude-list-wedding-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.newyorkcitygal.com\/?p=1658","title":{"rendered":"My Gratitude List: Wedding Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For the past eighteen months, in addition to a decades-long tradition of keeping a diary, I\u2019ve been writing in a gratitude journal. During these challenging times, finding and appreciating the positive is of great comfort. What remains a constant on my list \u2013 that the stars aligned for Steve and me to have the wedding of our dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I Do at last!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After two Covid-related postponements and well over a year after our initial date, we finally tied the knot over Thanksgiving weekend. It couldn\u2019t have been a more fitting holiday given how everything came together for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m most grateful we were able to celebrate safely with those closest to our hearts. With a smaller guest list (82 instead of 160) and everyone in attendance being fully vaccinated, nobody got sick thank God. We could not have asked for a better wedding present \u2014 though the kindness and generosity with which we\u2019ve been showered continues to blow us away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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All smiles with our dear 80s Cruise friends<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m grateful our special day happened before \u2013 literally right before<\/em>, as it turned out \u2014 the current surge. Many of our family and friends flew into New York from out of state or out of the country. I can\u2019t and don\u2019t want to imagine what the wedding would have been without them. Speaking of those who traveled a fair distance, I am deeply grateful for cherished Europe-based girlfriends Camilla, Candy, Caroline, Eva and Leila. In addition to crossing the Atlantic, they navigated ever-changing Covid restrictions and test requirements to be with us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The best friends a bride could ever have.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Also braving the pandemic-era skies were dear friends A Martinez, Bobbi, Brad, Gaby, Inga, Lisa and Deane, Marilyn, Matt, Susannah, Taslin and Viva, along with my amazing in-laws. I don\u2019t have the words to say how much this meant to me and Steve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m grateful to our beloved Benji. Not only did this little lovebug ace his duties as pup of honor, he took good care of me like he always does. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I\u2019ve never been prouder of my little guy.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When emotions started getting the better of me, Benj instinctively knew. For a good twenty minutes while I was getting my hair done, he did not leave my side. His sweet face and affection calmed my nerves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve often said the wedding felt like being enveloped in the biggest, most loving group hug ever. A huge part of that was the presence of my longtime hero, A. Having A walk me down the aisle and sharing a special dance together were two of the happiest moments in a day defined by an extraordinary abundance of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A dream come true.<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m deeply grateful to cousin-in-law Julie and longtime dear friend Lisa R. for making sure I stayed well hydrated at the reception. Hubs and I worked up quite a sweat on the dance floor, so plying me with water was no small thing! Love you, ladies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m grateful to Enza Events<\/a> for their hard work and creativity. From stunning florals and table d\u00e9cor to lighting, Enza and her fabulous team brought my winter wonderland vision to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Winter wonderland magic at our reception.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ditto for wedding cake designer extraordinaire Ron Ben-Israel. Our spectacular two cakes tasted as beautiful as they looked. At a time when customer service has become the exception rather than the rule, RBI Cakes<\/a> and Enza Events went above and beyond. Working with them was an absolute delight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n